New beginning for Harris FC

Harris Football Club is to return to competitions in the 2019 season, competing for the first time since 2014.

A social media announcement on Saturday (December 8th) heralded the senior team’s intention to take its place in the Lewis and Harris League and cup competitions after a five-year absence.

The club, first established in 1920, has been resigned to occasional appearances in friendly matches and as part of the Eilean an Fhraoich cup competition, but struggled to achieve good results with so little playing time as a team. Their last appearance was in June when they beat Ness 4-3 in the second leg of the Eilean an Fhraoich cup, still losing 4-10 on aggregate. That team are pictured below at Rally Park in Tarbert.

Their spokesman made no bones about the seriousness of their decision. Their statement said: “This decision was not taken lightly as we are very aware of the myriad pressures involved in running a team, but we believe we have a playing squad and management structure in place that will work hard to try and make a success of this venture, providing a platform for our youngsters (and a few older heads) to take pride in representing their island in what is the greatest game in the world!”

The playing card for the 2019 season already has opening round cup matches scheduled against Stornoway Athletic in the ABC cup, a second round tie against Point in the Jock Stein cup and a second round match against Ness in the Lewis/Moldova cup.

Hearachs at home and away welcomed the announcement, with some ex-patriate Harris players offering to make guest appearances during their holidays on the island. The club holds a special place for island football supporters. One said: “To an old player from Lewis this is excellent news, many friends made during my playing days, many, many happy memories, good luck to you all!”